TW201701995A - Device and method for deburring components by means of ultrasound - Google Patents

Abstract

A method is disclosed for deflashing components or workpieces (7) with ultrasound by using at least one sonotrode (6), having the following method steps: a) supplying at least one ultrasonic transducer (4) with electrical energy by means of at least one ultrasound generator (2) so that the ultrasonic transducer (4) is caused to vibrate mechanically; b) transmitting the vibrations to the sonotrode (6) that is mechanically connected to the ultrasonic transducer (4); c) immersing the sonotrode (6) with at least one vibrating sonotrode surface (6') into a fluid (M) so that cavitation is generated in the fluid (M) in the area of this sonotrode surface (6') by the mechanical vibrations of the sonotrode (6); d) arranging a workpiece (7) to be deburred in the vicinity of this sonotrode surface (6') by which means the workpiece (7) is deburred on at least one point, side, or surface opposite the sonotrode surface (6'). Furthermore, a device is disclosed for deburring components or workpieces (7) using ultrasound.

Description

Apparatus and method for removing component burrs by ultrasonic waves

The present invention relates to a method of removing a burr or a workpiece burr with ultrasonic waves using at least one vibration head and a device for removing burrs by ultrasonic waves using ultrasonic waves.

A common method of removing the burrs of a component or workpiece is based on the one hand based on the mechanical removal of unwanted burrs by means of corresponding cutting tools. On the other hand, the burrs are removed electrochemically or thermally. It is also known to use a high pressure water jet method.

The object of the invention is to propose an alternative and effective method for removing burrs of components or workpieces and corresponding devices. The terms "component" and "workpiece" are used synonymously.

This task is accomplished by a method having the features of claim 1 of the patent application, a device having the features of claim 10, and the use of a welding head disclosed in the ultrasonic welding application of Patent Application No. 22.

Advantageous embodiments of the method and apparatus are the subject matter of the scope of the patent application.

The method according to the invention for removing burrs by means of ultrasonic waves with at least one oscillating head comprises at least the following method steps: 3) supplying at least one ultrasonic transducer with electrical energy by means of at least one ultrasonic generator, whereby the ultrasound The transducer is energized by mechanical vibration; b) transmitting the vibration to a vibrating head mechanically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer; c) immersing the vibrating head having at least one vibrating head surface into the liquid, thereby passing the vibration Mechanical vibration of the vibrating head in the head region creates voids in the liquid; and d) arranging the workpiece to be deburred adjacent to the vibrating surface, whereby the workpiece faces at least the vibrating head One side or one side is deburred.

The apparatus for removing burrs by ultrasonic waves according to the present invention comprises: a) at least one ultrasonic transducer; b) at least one ultrasonic generator configured to supply electrical energy to the ultrasonic transducer to excite the ultrasonic a mechanical vibration of the transducer; c) at least one vibration head mechanically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer to transmit vibration; d) a tank that can be filled or filled with a liquid such that the vibration head has at least one vibrating vibration head The face is immersed or can be immersed in the liquid; and e) means for placing the workpiece to be deburred as specified at a location near the face of the head.

In principle, clear from ultrasonic baths with liquid or liquid media It is known in the application of the wash member that voids present in the liquid may damage the surface of the member to be cleaned. This damage occurs because the cavitation bubbles collapse on the surface. The cavitation bubbles preferentially appear at the surface defects because the microscopic bubbles are attached thereto when immersed in the liquid. This is especially the case in burrs and holes. According to the Applicant's knowledge, this can be used to remove burrs of metal components by targeted cavitation, as the energy released when several bubbles rupture appears to "blow up" the burrs that may be present. At this time, the member (workpiece) to be deburred is subjected to the strong action of the cavity caused by the ultrasonic wave for a short time to complete the deburring. According to the Applicant's knowledge, the cavitation intensity that occurs in conventional ultrasonic bath tanks is not sufficient here to cope with the higher hole strengths required as achieved in the subject matter of the present invention.

It is also known in principle that extremely strong cavitation at the surface can be obtained by a oscillating head that is vibrated at ultrasonic frequencies and immersed in a liquid medium. The vibrating head is a common tool for ultrasonic welding, which is placed in vibration by introducing high frequency mechanical vibration (ultrasonic waves). They establish the connection of the ultrasonic generator to the workpiece and conduct vibration into the workpiece. The heat generated by the friction that occurs causes a fusion bond of the workpiece. The vibrating head directly contacts the weldment as a unique component of the ultrasonic welder.

The reason for the strong cavitation is that there is a much larger mechanical offset amplitude at the vibrating head than conventional ultrasonic transducers used in cleaning technology devices. Such large amplitudes can be obtained or increased by using correspondingly suitable ultrasonic transducers, amplifying members (horns, also referred to hereinafter as horns) and suitable horn shapes. This is known in principle from applications for ultrasonic welding.

Therefore, according to the invention, at least one of the vibration heads is placed or can be placed In a container (box) filled with (cleaning) liquid. Furthermore, according to a further development of the invention, the oscillating head is driven by the ultrasonic transducer at an ultrasonic frequency of between 10 and 50 kHz, preferably between about 18 kHz and about 35 kHz and most preferably between about 20 kHz and about 30 kHz. Strong cavitation is clearly formed near the vibrating surface of the head (also referred to herein as the head surface).

A corresponding embodiment of the device provides that the ultrasonic generator is configured to generate a vibrating ultrasonic frequency from a minimum of about 10 kHz to a maximum of about 50 kHz, preferably from about 18 kHz to about 35 kHz, and most preferably from about 20 kHz to about 30 kHz.

Now, the workpiece to be burred is placed manually or by means of a special device (i.e. for the arrangement of the workpiece to be deburred according to the regulation) with respect to the vibrating surface at a defined distance, so that strong cavitation occurring there leads to burr removal. Advantageously, the positioning is performed or adjustable such that the minimum distance from the vibrating surface is at least 0.1 mm, but here is smaller, or at most equal, to the acoustic wavelength in the cleaning medium or (washing) liquid.

A corresponding embodiment of the device provides that the distance of the workpiece from the horn face is so adjustable that it is at least about 0.1 mm and most at most equal to the liquid acoustic wavelength, preferably by the corresponding adjustability of the device.

In a further development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that a mechanical horn for increasing or decreasing the mechanical amplitude is mounted between the ultrasonic transducer and the oscillating head.

Correspondingly, it can be provided in a development of the device that a mechanical horn for increasing or decreasing the mechanical amplitude is mounted between the ultrasonic transducer and the oscillating head.

In a further development of the invention, the following devices can also be provided, which are continuous or The workpiece to be deburred is non-continuously guided over the vibrating head face, preferably substantially parallel thereto. This can advantageously be achieved by providing a scraper chain or other suitable delivery system. One feature at this time is to follow a constant but adjustable distance from the vibrating surface of the vibrating head, which is preferably continuously monitored.

In a corresponding development of the device, it can be provided that the device is embodied in a conveying device for the continuous or non-continuous supply of the workpiece with an adjustable distance from the surface of the horn. It may have a monitoring mechanism that is configured for continuous monitoring: "comply with a constant distance from the head face."

In a further development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the lifting movement, which is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the horn, is carried out by means of the conveying device or the conveying system, so that the positioning of the workpiece above the vibration surface is obtained.

In a corresponding development of the device, it can be provided that the conveying device is designed to perform a lifting movement which is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the horn.

A further advantageous embodiment of the device comprises a receiving device for the workpiece to be deburred, which is guided by means of a positioning mechanism or can be guided to the vibration surface of the vibration head. Here, means for observing a constant distance from the vibration surface of the vibration head can also be provided. The device may be configured for ultrasonic ranging, optical ranging, inductive ranging, or ranging according to displacement or travel, but the invention is not limited thereto.

In a particularly advantageous refinement of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that more than one of the vibration heads are so immersed in the liquid and are excited to vibrate, that is to say that more than one workpiece side receives or receives ultrasonic waves simultaneously.

In terms of device technology, it can be specified accordingly: more than one vibration head is so It is set and immersed or can be immersed in the liquid and energized or can be excited to vibrate, ie more than one workpiece side can simultaneously receive ultrasonic waves.

In a further development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that a plurality of vibration heads are used, the shape and/or the size of their respective head faces being at least partially different.

In addition, matching of varying workpiece sizes can be achieved by replacing vibrating heads having differently shaped emitting faces. It is also possible to provide a plurality of vibrating heads on the device side, each of which has at least partially different dimensions.

In a further development of the device, it can be provided that the vibration system comprising the ultrasonic transducer, the vibration head and possibly the horn is fixed to the tank in a region of minimum mechanical offset (vibration node), preferably in the immediate vicinity Within the area of the vibration node of the head. This makes it possible to minimize the immersion depth of the vibration system or the immersion head of the vibrating head, which can advantageously influence the required amount of liquid and the tank size.

In a further development of the device, it can be provided that a plurality of vibration systems, each comprising an ultrasonic transducer, a vibration head and possibly a horn, are each fixed to the tank in the region of minimum mechanical offset, so that the respective vibration heads The faces are arranged at different locations relative to the location so that ultrasonic waves can be supplied to more than one side of the workpiece to be deburred.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the device is designed to arrange the workpiece or workpieces, that is to say that the portion of the workpiece to be deburred is unobstructed and freely immersed in the liquid for maximum efficiency. Deburring.

1‧‧‧ box

2‧‧‧Supersonic generator

3‧‧‧Supersonic vibration system

4‧‧‧Supersonic transducer/converter

5‧‧‧ horn/variator

6, 6a-6f‧‧‧welding head / vibration head

6’‧‧‧8

7‧‧‧Components/Workpieces

8‧‧‧Conveyor

9‧‧‧ drive

10‧‧‧ brackets/devices/shelves

11‧‧‧ Lifting conveyor/lifting mechanism

M‧‧‧Washing medium/cleaning liquid

K‧‧‧ node

Further features and advantages of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of the device of the invention; Figure 2 schematically shows a position-dependent vibration process in a vibrating ultrasonic vibration system; Figure 3 schematically shows the device of the invention Second Embodiment; FIG. 4 schematically shows a third embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; FIG. 5 shows a possible manner of arranging a plurality of vibrating heads according to another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention; and FIG. A vibrating head of a different shape used in the apparatus of the present invention.

One embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention is schematically illustrated in FIG. The ultrasonic vibration system 3 is mounted in the tank 1 filled with the liquid cleaning medium M. The ultrasonic vibration system 3 includes an ultrasonic transducer (or also referred to as a transducer) for converting electrical oscillations into mechanical vibrations, a horn (variator) 5 for increasing mechanical offset, and a welding head ( Vibration head) 6. Reference numeral 6' denotes a surface on which the vibration of the vibration head is emitted (or also referred to as "the vibration surface of the vibration head" or "the vibration surface"). Here, several components 4-6 of the vibration system 3 are connected to each other by a screw connection (not shown) and are therefore replaceable. The converter 4 is operatively connected to the ultrasonic generator 2 and is supplied with electric energy therethrough. Here, the ultrasonic generator 2 is provided with a controller that controls the mechanical amplitude of the converter 4 and allows the vibration to be adjusted within a range of, for example, 10-100% with respect to the maximum mechanical amplitude. Width. Such ultrasonic generators are known to those skilled in the art and are used, for example, in ultrasonic welding devices.

According to FIG. 1, the workpiece 7 to be deburred is placed at a distance of from 0.1 mm to the acoustic wavelength of the maximum cleaning liquid M at the surface 6 to be emitted of the vibration head and is subjected to ultrasonic for a certain time, which depends on the workpiece 7 The type and the amount of existing burrs, etc., and can be determined, for example, from corresponding preliminary tests.

The structure of the exemplary vibration system 3 of Fig. 1 is again shown in Fig. 2 for illustration. Also shown is a position-dependent amplitude change process of the axial mechanical offset x(t) of the various components 4-6 of the vibration system 3, from which the enhancement is highlighted: the amplitude increases from the converter 4 to the vibration head 6 . There is also an area in which the offset disappears, the so-called node K, x(K)=0. It is now particularly advantageous if the vibration system 3 is also fixed at these nodes K on other components of the device. The flange for fixing the vibration system 3 to the tank 1 of Fig. 1 is advantageously fixed at one of the nodes K (see Fig. 1).

Different from the view of Fig. 1, it can also be provided that the vibration system 3 will be fixed in the region of the uppermost (frontmost) node K according to Fig. 2. As a result, the immersion depth in the immersion medium M can be minimized, which can advantageously influence the amount of liquid required.

Figure 3 shows another advantageous embodiment of the device of the invention. Here, the tank 1 together with the vibration system 3 is expanded to "means 8 (conveying means) for continuously conveying the workpiece 7". The conveying device 8 can, for example, comprise a chain in which a number of workpieces 7 are hung or can be hung. Can be driven by the device 9 (example The driven roller or gear) causes the chain to move continuously or non-continuously through or in parallel with the horn face 6'. The conveyor 8 also includes means for adjusting the distance of the workpiece 7 from the head face 6', as indicated by the vertical double arrow in Figure 3. The device can be configured to continuously monitor and adjust the distance.

Figure 4 shows another advantageous embodiment of the device of the invention. Here, another device 10 for accommodating a plurality of workpieces 7 is provided above the tank 1 having the vibration system 3 of the present invention. The device 10 can be, for example, a basket, a shelf or other holder that matches the shape of the workpiece. The holder or device 10 is preferably designed such that the surface of the workpiece 7 to be deburred is unobstructed and can be freely immersed in the cleaning medium M. The shelf or device 10 is also coupled to the lift conveyor mechanism 11, whereby the shelf or device 10 can be immersed in the cleaning medium M as shown. Further, the lifting mechanism 11 preferably has a property that the distance of the workpiece 7 from the head surface 6' is selectively adjustable, as indicated by the vertical double arrow in Fig. 4.

Those skilled in the art can also combine or combine the embodiments disclosed in Figures 1, 3 and 4 into larger devices, and thus are also an integral part of the present invention, without further illustration.

Depending on the shape of the member or workpiece 7, it may be advantageous to simultaneously remove burrs of a plurality of component faces or workpieces 7 from a time and/or cost perspective. To this end, for example, the arrangement of a plurality of vibrating heads 6a-6c as shown in Fig. 5 is most advantageous. For example, the three vibrating heads 6a, 6b and 6c can be mounted on a tank 1, so that the burrs of the three sides of one workpiece 7 can be simultaneously removed according to the present invention. The vibrating heads 6a-6c used are not necessarily identical.

Fig. 6 shows another advantageous embodiment of the device of the invention, in which various ultrasonic transducers 6d-6f having different emission face size shapes are shown. Within the scope of the invention, the vibrating heads 6d-6f are preferably interchangeable in the device of the invention, so that the device can, for example, be adapted to different sizes or shapes of the workpiece 7 to be deburred and/or different burr types. Composition.

1‧‧‧ box

2‧‧‧Supersonic generator

3‧‧‧Supersonic vibration system

4‧‧‧Supersonic transducer/converter

5‧‧‧ horn/variator

6‧‧‧welding head/vibrating head

6’‧‧‧8

7‧‧‧Components/Workpieces

M‧‧‧Washing medium/cleaning liquid

Claims (22)

A method for removing burrs of a workpiece (7) by ultrasonic waves using at least one of the oscillating heads (6; 6a, 6b, 6c) having the following method steps: a) using at least one ultrasonic generator (2) Supplying electrical energy to at least one ultrasonic transducer (4) such that the ultrasonic transducer (4) is energized by mechanical vibration; b) transmitting the vibration to a vibration head mechanically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer (4) (6) c) a vibrating head (6) having at least one vibrating head face (6') is immersed in the liquid (M) so as to pass the vibrating head in the region of the head face (6') (6) a mechanical vibration to create a cavity in the liquid (M); d) arranging a workpiece (7) to be deburred near the surface (6'), whereby the workpiece (7) is at least One side or one side of the opposite side of the vibrating face (6') is deburred. The method of claim 1, wherein the vibration produces a frequency of at least about 10 kHz and at most about 50 kHz, preferably from about 18 kHz to about 35 kHz, and most preferably from about 20 kHz to about 30 kHz. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance of the workpiece (7) from the head face (6') is selected to be at least about 0.1 mm, most approximately equal to the acoustics of the liquid (M) wavelength. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a mechanical change for amplifying or reducing the mechanical amplitude is installed between the ultrasonic transducer (4) and the vibrating head (6) Frame (5). The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: continuously or non-continuously supplying the workpiece by means of a conveyor (8; 11) of adjustable distance from the head face (6') ( 7) wherein the workpiece (7) is preferably guided in a region substantially parallel to the head face (6'). The method of claim 4, wherein the lifting movement substantially perpendicular to the horn surface (6') is performed by means of the conveying device (11), thereby obtaining the workpiece (7) on the oscillating surface (6' ) Positioning above. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the compliance of the constant distance from the head face (6') is continuously monitored. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein more than one of the vibrating heads (6a, 6b, 6c) is placed in the liquid (M) and excited to vibrate, that is, the workpiece More than one side of (7) simultaneously receives ultrasonic waves. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a plurality of vibrating heads (6d, 6e, 6f) are used, each of their respective head faces (6') having at least partially different dimensions. A device for removing burrs of a workpiece (7) by means of ultrasonic waves, comprising: a) at least one ultrasonic transducer (4); b) at least one ultrasonic generator (2) configured to transduce the ultrasound The device (4) supplies electrical energy to excite the ultrasonic transducer (4) to mechanically vibrate; c) at least one vibration head (6) mechanically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer (4) to transmit vibration; d) a tank (1) ), which can be filled or filled with a liquid (M), so that the vibration head (6) by means of at least one vibrating head face (6') being immersed or capable of being immersed in the liquid (M); and e) for arranging the workpiece (7) to be deburred as specified in the vibration Device (8, 9; 10, 11) at a location near the head (6'). The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the ultrasonic generator (2) is configured to generate a vibrating ultrasonic frequency of at least about 10 kHz to a maximum of about 50 kHz, preferably about 18 kHz to about 35 kHz, and most preferably about 20 kHz to about 30 kHz. The device of claim 10 or 11, wherein the distance from the workpiece (7) to the head face (6') is so adjustable that it is at least equal to about 0.1 mm and most approximately equal to the liquid (M) The acoustic wavelength is preferably adjusted by the corresponding adjustability of the device (8, 9; 10, 11). The device of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein a machine for increasing or decreasing the mechanical amplitude is installed between the ultrasonic transducer (4) and the vibrating head (6) The horn (5). The device of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the device is a conveyor having an adjustable distance from the head face (6') for continuous or discontinuous supply of the workpiece (7) (8; 11) Formal composition. The device of claim 14, wherein the conveying device (11) is configured to perform a lifting movement substantially perpendicular to the horn face (6'), or the conveying device (8) is configured to perform basic Parallel to the motion of the head face (6'). The device of any one of claims 10 to 15 having a monitoring device configured for continuous monitoring: The observance of the constant distance of the piece (7) from the head face (6'). A device according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein more than one of the vibrating heads (6) are arranged and placed or can be placed in the liquid (M) and energized or energized to vibrate, More than one side of the workpiece (7) is enabled to simultaneously receive ultrasonic waves. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein a plurality of vibration heads (6a, 6b, 6c; 6d, 6e, 6f) are provided, each of which has at least a respective head surface (6') Partially different sizes. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the ultrasonic transducer (4), the vibrating head (6), and perhaps a variator as claimed in claim 13 (5) The vibration system (3) is fixed to the tank (1) in a region (K) of minimum mechanical offset (x(t)), preferably a vibration node immediately adjacent to the head surface (6') ( Within the K) area. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 19, wherein a plurality of vibration systems (3) are provided, which respectively include the ultrasonic transducer (4), the vibration head (6) and perhaps The horn (5) of claim 13 is fixed in the box (1) in the region (K) of the minimum mechanical offset (x(t)), so that the respective head faces (6) ') are arranged at positions different from each other with respect to the place. The device of any one of claims 10 to 20, wherein the device (8, 9; 10, 11) is configured to set the workpiece (7) or the workpieces (7), ie The portion of the workpiece (7) to be deburred is unobstructed and can be freely immersed in the liquid (M). Method for using any one of claims 1 to 9 The use of the oscillating head (6; 6a, 6b, 6c; 6d, 6e, 6f) for removing the burrs of the workpiece (7).